Religion

I am always honored, delighted, and humbled when asked to speak at the World Day of Prayer. This time, the delight was more than doubled because the theme is one of my life’s passions. It is a legacy already in use within my own family, especially by my daughters who can spot injustice immediately and then attempt to fight to let justice prevail.

Sermon will cite ‘The Apprentice Matthew’
“The Apprentice Matthew” will be the title of the Rev. Jeff Roberts’ and associate pastor Michelle Sabin’s sermons on Sunday, Feb. 26, at Trinity United Methodist Church, 209 E. Nash St. in Southport.
Based on scripture from Matthew 9:9-13, this is the first in a sermon series titled “The Apprentice,” based on the TV series, a look at some of the followers of Jesus.

On a cold, winter evening, Hubby Dear and I decided to treat ourselves to a movie. Friends had bequeathed their old DVD player to us and a neighbor had given us a DVD that she had designated a classic.

Black History to be celebrated Feb. 18
Holy Covenant United Holy Church, 237 Snowfield Road SE in Leland (Snowfield Community), will host a Black History celebration at 6 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 18, featuring keynote speaker Nicole Williams. The theme will be “Lift Every Voice.” Local music groups will also be performing.
There will be a special missionary service at 3 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 19, with guests the Rev. Angela Collins and Price Cathedral AME Zion Church in Wilmington. For more information, call 763-2282.

Coincidence? Providence? Is there a difference? In my view, providence is the road taken. It is also the road not taken. Everything in life is providential, if our perspective is divine and if we give ourselves time to look, see, hear and receive God’s voice.
A friend thought I’d enjoy reading a book she recently acquired. Its title is intriguing: “When God Winks at You: How God Speaks Directly to You Through the Power of Coincidence,” written by Squire Rushnell. She told me the book shouted out at her because her life is one big God wink.

Having read the announcement in the Beacon and knowing the facilitator of the group made me curious and eager to attend. Its name, Poetry Revisited, is a bit of an affirmation of poetry, as well as another look at the individual writing presented by the participants.
However, my intrigue leads me to offer another description. In my mind’s eye, I see a gathering of folks who have embraced the concept of carpe diem. They are seizing the day as live poets willing to put their life experiences into poetic words.

Shrove Tuesday pancake supper is Feb. 21
The Family Life Center, 1629 U.S. 17 North in Little River, S.C., will host a Shrove Tuesday pancake supper and Mardi Gras from 5-7 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 21.
Enjoy all-you-can-eat pancakes, games, fun and fellowship. Cost is $5 for adults and $2 for children younger than 12 years of age. This event is sponsored by SPARK Youth Ministry.

The January meeting of the Greater Shallotte Ministerial Association began with a bang. It wasn’t the sound of a gavel calling all to order, nor a fireworks display that announced the beginning of a new year.
It was a summons to discipleship given by two guest speakers. The message was not a novel one, but it was an entreaty begging for awareness and response. It was an appeal for us to open our eyes, ears, minds and hearts to the plight of the needy, from hungry schoolchildren to beleaguered seniors.

Life groups are forming for everyone
Freedom Outreach Center, 1790 Oxpen Road in Supply, is now organizing Life Groups for the first semester (January-April).
Life Groups are for everyone, including young married couples with children, women, men, young adults, retirees or a mixture of people.
A Life Group is a group of three to 15 people and can meet anywhere. It is particularly important with our busy lifestyles to make time with other believers to learn about God’s Word, pray, share a meal, or fellowship, organizers say.